Nigerian Defence Headquarters say there Governor Nyako's convoy was mistaken for another impending attack by Boko Haram, causing panic
Multiple reports have emerged today covering the attack on Adamawa State governor Murtala Nyako's convoy by susepcted Boko Haram insurgents. However, reliable sources claim the fire was mistakenly opened by Nigerian Army soldiers. No life was lost in the unfortunate incident.
On Friday, governor Nyako and speaker of the state House of Assembly Umar Fintiri visited Madagali and Michika, the towns assaulted by Boko Haram on Wednesday, to assess the level of damage and commiserate with local residents.
According to an eyewitness from the governor's delegation, the gathering in Shuwa town started praying after Nyako offered his condolence remarks, but were interrupted by sounds of gunshots. As it turned out, the chaos was staged by Nigerian Army soldiers, with some shouting, "They are coming! The boys are coming" and shooting sporadically into the air.
The governor, according to the source, was very angered by the development.
Primary reports had it that a number of vehicles from the governor's convoy were hit by the militants' bullets, but the governor abandoned his official car and escaped unhurt in one of the escort vehicles. This information is most likely incorrect.
However, some sources, though aknowledging that the facts were misinterpreted, told a different story. They said locals started to panic upon sighting a large number of Nigerian Army troops who were redeploying from Borno to Adamawa State, thinking the men in the military uniform were actually Boko Haram terrorists. Governor Nyako's convoy was diverted back to Yola after noticing the movement, and there was no shooting.
Meanwhile, a statement appeared on the Facebook page of Nigerian Defence Headquarters, saying there was no attack indeed, but the governor's convoy was mistaken by some people for another impending attack by terrorists. Local residents panicked and scampered into the bush to escape from another slaughter.
It will be recalled that on Wednesday, February 26, suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked a number of villages in Madagali and Michika LGAs in Adamawa State. According to the latest data, the number of casualties may exceed 32 persons.
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Source: Legit.ng
